Best Dispersed Camping near Randolph, UT
Dispersed camping near Randolph, Utah includes several free camping areas across public lands in northern Utah and southern Wyoming. Curtis Creek/Arbs Basin, Monte Cristo, and Franklin Basin provide primitive camping options on Forest Service land, while Woodruff Narrows and areas near Fossil Butte National Monument offer BLM-managed sites. These zones typically require no reservations and accommodate tent and small RV camping, though site availability varies seasonally. Most areas permit camping for up to 14 days, consistent with standard public land regulations.
Most dispersed sites are accessible via dirt or gravel roads that range from well-maintained to rough. Franklin Basin Road is noted as 2WD-friendly for several miles, while approaches to Fossil Butte BLM land involve steep grades with loose gravel and sharp turns that demand high-clearance vehicles. Access to Woodruff Narrows requires navigating unpaved routes in fair to poor condition. Fire restrictions are common in summer months, with established fire rings available at some locations. Few sites offer amenities, with only Green Canyon Dispersed Campground providing toilets and trash collection. "The road turns to dirt in Idaho but is still 2WD safe until you get to a very clear turn around," noted one camper about Franklin Basin.
These primitive camping areas feature diverse landscapes from mountain forest settings to reservoir-adjacent sites. Curtis Creek/Arbs Basin receives excellent reviews for its quiet, scenic setting with one camper describing it as "very quiet, barely any people" with "nice view of the sunset." Monte Cristo offers elevated campsites with expansive views of aspen and fir-covered hills. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most areas, particularly in Franklin Basin where multiple reviews mention complete lack of signal. Camping at higher elevations like Monte Cristo can be windy and cold in shoulder seasons. Woodruff Narrows provides a spacious lakeside setting that one visitor described as "quiet and peaceful" though "no shade or amenities" are available. Wildlife sightings are common, and many areas become crowded during hunting seasons.
